Tag Archives: Behavior

A recent small study has shown interesting results for the treatment of behavioral and social symptoms in young men with autism. An extract of the chemical, sulphoraphane, which is found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, was shown to improve symptoms in two-thirds of patients in the study’s treatment group. Since it has been noted that young individuals with autism show improved social skills when experiencing a fever, this could mean that sulphoraphane produces the same sort of stress response without the associated negative side effects. As the men were being observed, staff and caregivers claimed that they could tell which patients were in the treatment group versus the placebo group. While this provided promising results for many involved, more research must be done to confirm results and explore other patient demographics. Based on your experience with your patients, which supplements, nutrients or lifestyle modifications have been efficacious in treating the symptoms of autism?

The journal Child Development published a new study which followed almost 1000 two-parent families with children at ages 13 and 14. It revealed that parents who discipline their teenagers by screaming, cursing and name-calling actually increase their teenager’s aggressive behavior. Researchers discovered that children whose parents used higher levels of harsh verbal discipline experienced larger increases in behavior problems the next year, including fighting with peers, trouble in school, lying to parents, as well as symptoms of depression. What are your thoughts on this study? What behavioral modifications do you recommend to parents who seek your advice?